Jon Stewart Exits Daily Show With A Bang

Last nightJon Stewart, the host of TheDaily Show on Comedy Central for almost seventeen years, exited the stage. Since the year 2000 and the election of George W. Bush the Daily Show has been a mainstay of the American political landscape. The show tackled difficult issues with a sense of humour and integrity that endeared itself to a wide audience. Driven by Stewart and his team’s keen eye for satire the show has been a launching ground for not only the careers of many famous comedians, such as John Oliver who now hosts Last Week Tonight on HBO and Stephen Colbert, but also for political change in the United States.

When a bill that would give medical aid to 9/11 first responders who had developed chronic illness as a result of their actions in rescuing and searching for survivors almost died in the US Senate Stewart stepped into the fray with a blistering critique of those blocking its passage. Within three days the bill passed. Although Stewart was at loath to take personal credit for his influence, whether comedic or political, it’s obvious that people trusted and admired him and he often ranked higher than professional newsmen in polls. This self-effacement was on show last night when former Daily Show correspondent Stephen Colbert, who is set to host the The Late Show this September, went off script to thank Jon on behalf of himself and all the correspondents who have worked with him over the years. His political influence was also present as many politicians he has previously lampooned, including presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, paid their respects to Stewart in a video montage.

In his last Daily Show editorial piece Stewart criticised the culture of what he called “bullshit” that pervades the news media in America, concluding with the hopefully timeless phrase, “So, if you smell something, say something.” It was a fitting send-off by the man who for so long had done so on the behalf of the American people.

The comedian Trevor Noah is set to take Stewart’s place as host of the Daily Show. For a young-ish comedian it will no doubt be the chance of a lifetime and many are hopeful that he will continue Stewart’s satirical legacy. The show ended once again with a display of Stewart’s reach as Bruce Springsteen played him off his final show in what Stewart called, “My moment of Zen.”

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